Cell in UAE State Security Facility - Sketch made by a detainee in solitary confinement

Cell in UAE State Security Facility - Sketch made by a detainee in solitary confinement

(Beirut, June 26 2013) -- United Arab Emirates state security officers have subjected detainees to systematic mistreatment, including torture, say hand-written letters from detainees smuggled out of jails, Alkarama, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today. The groups obtained 22 statements written by some of the 94people on trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The mistreatment described in the letters is consistent with other allegations of torture at UAE state security facilities, and indicates that torture is a systematic practice at these facilities.

Statement delivered under Item 6 by Amman Center for Human Rights Studies in collaboration with Alkarama Foundation

We welcome the adoption of the outcome of the UPR of the United Arab Emirates, which reflected many important recommendations to address human rights concerns in the country.

In particular, we commend the UAE's accession to the UN Convention against Torture, in reflection of recommendations made during its first UPR. We therefore encourage the UAE to provide its initial periodic report as due, in August 2013.